A few points here.
1. It is a legal issue for most establishments. I know, my parents were in the food industry and I worked it for 27 years of my life. W used to be very easy going about food thrown out - place it in separate bags, keep it on the side of the dumpsters so as not to get contaminated, etc. We knew the needy would come around later in the night. But then it started, legally, even though you have thrown something out, you are still responsible. So, if someone gets sick, hurt, whatever, you get sewed. So we had to start making sure that all food was truly – trashed. In other words we put it all in the dumpsters without bags. The trash pickup hated it, we hated it, I especially hated it because I would have to clean those dumpsters every week.
2. I was in whole foods 10 minutes before closing, went to the bakery area and saw quite a bit of bread there. I asked what they did when they had so much left over. They stated, "we throw it out". I couldn’t believe it – throw out bread you just baked off that morning? I asked – what about wrapping it up in plastic like you would anyway when someone purchases it, and offer it at 30-50% off as day olds, (my families shop did this with donuts and buns)? They said it was policy and asked if I would buy it? I said I would and then asked at what time did they throw all this out – "30 minutes after closing every night." When I am hungry or riding by on my commute, you know where to get a good snack,
3. I ask stores, diners, etc. why they don’t donate the left-overs. It is the same story over and over – legally they are still responsible. I know this from when we used to cater and do parties, But we usually took the chance and drove by the shelter on the way back from a job if there was substantial food left over. Granted, you just have to use good judgement, basically asking yourself, "would I eat this in a few more hours and not worry?" If it was a hot day and its cream, fish, meats, etc… it went in the can… but then there are more days when you really can make a difference to others.
Ride on, and never go hungry.